Wire-block-stripping mechanism



J. c. BITTMAN 1,734,360

WIRE BLOCK STRIPPING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 22, 1925 Nov. 5, 1929 INVENTOR.

A r TORNEYS Patented Nov. 5, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JESSE C. BITTMAN, OF CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO, ASSIGNOIR TO THE VAUGHN MA- CHINERY COMPANY, OF CUYAHOGAIALLS, OHIO, A CORPORATION 01 OHIO WIRE-BLOCK-STRIPPING MECHANISM Application filed August 22, 1925. Serial No. 51,827.

As indicated, the object of the invention is to provide a mechanism or device for stripping or removing a coil or bundle of drawn wire from the block and enable the same to be transferred to a reel or other support without requiring such coil to be handled manually.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and relatedends, the invention. then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following description setting forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used. In said annexed drawing i The single figure there appearing is partly an elevational view and partly a central section of my improved stripping mechanism or device.

It will be understood that the device in question is designed for use with the familiar type of block employed on wire drawing benches. such block 1 being made to taper upwardly and inwardly, as shown in the drawing, and having a flange 2 at the bottom on which the coil or bundle or wire rests during and following completion of the drawing operation. As is moreover usual, such block is formed with a plurality of vertical grooves or slots 3 to receive the fingers of the stripping device, see for example U. S. Patent No. 423,015.

The latter in its present improved form comprising as its main element a spider 5 formed with a plurality of radially extending equidistantly disposed arms, to the outer end of-each of which is pivotally attached about a transverse axis a depending lever 6 formed at its lower end with an outwardly projecting finger 7 In the illustrated form, the device is designed to comprise four such levers and the spider will accordingly have a corresponding numberof radial arms. It will be understood, of course, that the number of such levers and arms may be varied, ,depending upon the size of the bundle to be handled, and the main element need not be being fitted over a rod 9 that depends from the center of thespider and is fixedly secured to the latter. This member is operatively connected with levers 6 through the medium of links 10, as shown, the arrangement and disposition of these links being such that when the spider 5 rests on the top of the member, the lower ends of the levers are swung outwardly into the position shown in full lines in the figure in the drawing. However, upon separation of the spider and member as by the raising of the latter to the position shown in dotted outline in the drawing, the lower ends of the levers are drawn inwardly to thevposition likewise shown in dotted outline. It will further be noted that the disposition of the links is such as to cause them to move upwardly and not downwardly with respect to said member when-the device is thus collapsed.

Integral with the upper face of spider 5 are two centrally located ears 12, only one of which appears in the drawing, between which is oscillatorily secured, by means of a pivot 13, a hook 14, such hook being arranged when the spider and member are brought together to engage a notch 15 in the corresponding side of the latter. For convenience in operating the same, the hook is provided with a laterallyextending handle 16 and it is also provided with a projection 17 on the other side of its pivotal axis that is adapted to strike against an upwardly projecting pin 18 on member 8, such pin extending through an opening 19 in the spider. The device is designed to be lifted through spider 5, or equivalent supporting element, and to this end the latter is provided with suitable external attaching means which in the specific embodiment shown in the drawing consists of the pivot 13 about which hook 14 is oscillatory, said pivot being extended to remain in the block while the wire is bein drawn, but when a. bundle or coil is ready to e removed from said block, the device with the levers 6 in collapsed position is dropped onto the block with such levers disposed so as to enter the corresponding vertical slots or grooves 3 in the latter. Due to the fact that the device is suspended through the external attaching means, wherewith the spider 5 is provided, such collapsed position will normally be assumed under the influence of gravity whenever hook 14 is disengaged from notch 15 in member 8, but such collapse will be assisted, if necessary, by projection 17 on the hook striking against pin 18 which serves to positively force the spider and member apart. As the device is dropped, as aforesaid, onto the block, the lower end 21 or memher 8 seats in the central tapered recess 22 which not only centers the device but of course stops further downward movement of the member. The continued downward movement oi the spider thereupon automatically forces the levers outwardly into the full line position where they are a apted to pick up the bundle and the hook i l will at the same time automatically re-engage slot 15 and so prevent the levers from being :torced inwardly by the load. Thus the coil or bundie of wire may be lifted 0d the block and conveyed to a reel or elsewhere as desired.

Obviously, so far as the operation of the device is concerned, the block is merely typical of any suitable support for the formed coil of wire.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated-means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention 1. In a stripping device, the combination of a spider provided with external attaching means, a plurality of levers pivotally suspended from said spider at circumferentially spaced points and formed with outwardly directed fingers adapted to engage a bundle of wire on a suitable support, a rod depending from said spider, a member slidable on said rod, links connecting said member with said menace levers, respectively, whereby the latter may be swung in or out as desired, ahook pivotally attached to said spider and adapted to engage with said member, and an element on said member adapted to be struck by said hook, whereby said spider and member may be positively forced apart.

2.121 a stripping device, the combination of a spider provided with external attaching means,'a plurality of levers pivotally sus- 15 pended from said spider at circumferentiallv spaced points and formed with outwardly directed fingers adapted to engage a bundle of wire on a suitable support, a rod depending from said spider, a member slidable on said 30 

